Impulse generator to ignite combustion engines

ABSTRACT

An impulse generator for igniting combustion engines has an electronic circuit installed between the breaker points and the high voltage coil thereof. A first transistor has its emitter connected to the coil and its base connected to the points so that closing of the points causes actuation of the first transistor. The collector of the first transistor passes electric current through an electrolytic condenser to actuate a second transistor, thereby feeding the primary of the coil so that when the points open, the collector of the first transistor loses voltage and interrupts the collector-emitter passage of the second transistor to originate high voltage in the secondary coil. When high voltage occurs in the coil, there is an inverse damping oscillation in the collector of the second transistor which is channelled toward a condenser and resistor, shuntconnected to the collector of the second transistor from where current is transmitted to the base of the first transistor which it actuates, and the cycle is begun again.

v United States Patent 1191 Moran 1541 IMPULSE GENERATOR To IGNiTE COMBUSTION ENGINES [76] Inventor; German Ripoll Moran, Hilarion Eslava 33,Madrid, Spain 22 Filed: Nov. 5, 1971 21 Appl.No.:196,084

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Nov. 5, 1970 Spain ..162,977

52 us. cl..." ..307/10 R, 123/148 E 51 .Int. 0...; ..F01p 3/06 58 Field of Search ..l23/148 E, 148 R;

[56] 1 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,374,778 3/ 1968 Dixon ..'..-.12'3/14s E 3,422,804 1/..1969 Van Mastrigt 123/148 E 3,581,725 11971 Hemphill ....123/148E' 1 Apr. 10, 1973 Primary ExaminerRobert K. Schaefer Assistant Examiner-William J1 Smith Attorney-E. F. Wenderoth et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT An impulse generator for igniting combustion engines has an electronic circuit installed between the breaker points and the high voltage coil thereof. A first transistor has its emitter connected to the coil and its base connected to the points so that closing of the points causes actuation of the first transistor. The collector of the first transistor passes electric current through an electrolytic condenser to actuate a second transistor, thereby feeding the primary of the coil so that when the points open, the collector of the first transistor loses voltage and interrupts the collectoremitter passage of the second transistor to originate high voltage in the secondary coil. When high voltage occurs in the coil, there is an inverse damping oscillation in the collector of the second transistor which is channelled toward a condenser and resistor, shuntconnected to the collector of the second transistor from where current is transmitted to the base of the first transistor which it actuates, and the cycle is begun again.

2 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATE NTEDAFR 1 0 1375 I MF Q Q m A m m w w a. 1 E R FIG-2 IMPUL SE GENERATOR TO IGNITE COMBUSTION ENGINES sparks in the ignition, thus providing total combustion of the mixture which sets in motion the various engine cylinders.

Before proceeding further, a brief statement is of-- fered regarding the technique followed to date in achieving combustion of the fuel mixturein the compression chambers of the various cylinders generally found in automobile engines.

In effect, the classic ignition as it is known is a high I voltage coil whose primary winding is fed by the continuous current of a battery. This circuit is cut, or interrupted, by the action of contacts known as points, installed within a mechanism generally known as a distributor. This interruption of the current" is synchronized to occur'at the critical moment of maxpands, and thus initiates the working cycle of the engine. J

With slight alterations the foregoing constitutes essentially the, systems utilized to date in most vehicles. However, as the design of new engines is modernized, compression relations daily increase. This presupposes compulsory use of fuels and, particularly, high octane gasoline. This high octane gasoline detonates less than does lower octanefuel. I

In fact, it is advisable and even necessary to employ high octane gasoline in the engines of manycurrent vehicles',as long as the phenomenon of double.explosion by compression is avoided, for this results in the classic knock and consequent loss of power.

Any expert knows that even when utilizing appropriate gasoline and with perfectly regulated fuelcomburent mixtures, only 40 percent thereof is ignited in the cylinders by the spark which occurs between the extremes of the electrodes in the ignition. The remaining 60 percent of the fuel mixture circulates in the compression chamber, forming turbulence which burns on contact with the part ignited by the spark. However, this effect cannot originate total combustion of the volume of the mixture introduced into the cylinder, and consequently solid residue such as cinders and toxic gases suchas carbon monoxide are formed.

When the engine runs'at low speeds, the mixture is rich in gasoline and therefore, if ignition of the volume thereof compressed in the cylinder is not perfect, the

residue increases considerably with resultant damage to the engine and ahigher production of toxic gases which are released into the atmosphere through the exhaust pipe.

On the other hand, duration of points constituting the breaker of the traditional ignition can be set at some 20,000 Kms., since they have to bear a cutting current the approximate value of which is 4 Amp. and a frequency of several times, such as four times, per cm gine cycle. In order to prevent the spark from occurring in the contact plate of the points, a condenser is generally installed between the points and it absorbs the spark.

Also, damage occurs frequently to the traditional ignition system. This results from perforation of the condenser or destruction, however partial, of the point contact plates. This is due to the intensity of the current circulating between them.

In order to avoid all these problems and inconveniences as also to enhance the usefulness of explosion engines, the impulse generator of the present invention has been developed. Its essential purpose is to produce a series of continuous sparks in each of the spark plugs or ignition parts-each time the points are opened. At the same time, the frequency of the sparks will be higher than in the classic ignition system and the mixture compressed in each cylinder will thereby burn in its entirety. Thus, all of its potential energy will be utilized and at the same time less solid or gaseous residue will result.

The characteristics of the invention will be better understood from a description of subject device and the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of the impulse generator of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a wave diagram of impulse voltage occuring in the use of the device of FIG. 1.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the proposed impulse generator circuit is installed between the high voltage coil A and the points or breaker (I-1), and has a first transistor (T-l), whose emitter (E is connected to coil A. The base (B,) of the first transistor is connected to the points (I-l Meanwhile, the collector (C of the first transistor connects to the base (B of a second transistor T-2), the emitter (E of which is grounded, and the collector (C of which is connected to the primary winding of the high voltage coil.

' Note that the collector (C of the transistor (T-2) is in turn shunt connected to a condenser (C-1) and resistor (R-l), whose components are connected to the base (8,) of the transistor (T-l Naturally, the capacity and resistance qualities of (O1) and (R-l) will be determined as necessary in practical application.

An electrolytic condenser is connected between the direct connection of the two transistors.

With theabove description any expert in the art will understand perfectly the operation of the invention by virtue of the effects produced by the transistors which are as follows:

Upon acting on the starter by means of the contact key, at a given moment the points (1-1) will be closed. This causes direct actuation of the transistor (T-l), with a voltage of, for example, 12 V occurring in the collector (C thereof, and the base (8,) and emitter (E of the transistor (T-2) are thus also actuated. This originates feeding into the primary winding of the high voltage coil A.

When the points (I-l) open due to the effect of rotation of the lever thereof, the voltage at collector C of transistor (T-l) becomes zero, so that conduction through (C )(E of the second transistor is instantly interrupted, thus providing high voltage in the secondary winding of coil A.

Simultaneously with the above, an inverse damping oscillation occurs in the collector (C and is transrnitted by the condenser and resistor (C-1) and (R-l),

respectively, until it reaches the base (8,) of the transistor (T-l). Transistor T-I is thus actuated, and

the cycle begins again. This will occur several times, example six times, during the period -'when the breaker contacts (I-1) remain open. When the points close through the effects of rotation of the lever thereof, the electronic circuit, and specifically the aforesaid impulse generator, does not oscillate since the transistor (T-'l) is actuated, and accordingly transistor T-2 is actuated such that a continuous voltage is applied to the coil.

The form of the wave produced in the collector (C- 2) is represented in FIG. 2 and, as can be seen, an impulse reverse to that of the wave is produced under V. Although of slight value, it is sufficient to actuate the transistor (T-l).

'As will be deducted from the foregoing, the basic characteristic of the device of the present invention that for each break'of the points a series of variable continuous sparks occur. The frequency of these sparks with an impulse generator according to the invention it is possible to drive with a few revolutions of the engine and development of long gear I shifts. Naturally, this possibility reduces fuel consumption for, in utilizing all the fuel supplied, it is unnecessary to excessivelyopen the carburetor valve and consequently there is less passage of fuel for the same amount of power.

Regulation of the carburator is not as critical as in the case 'of the traditional ignition since combustion is perfect when there occurs an increase in the time duringwhich ignition of the mixture occurs.

The life of the points is practically limitless since intensity of the current passing therethrough is reduced from 4 Amp. (normal ignition), to 10 Amp.

The classic protective condenser is eliminated by virme of the low intensity of current, which as has been explainedin the preceding paragraph, is insufficient to cause the breaker spark.-

Another of the beneficial effects obtained with the invention is the fact that the increased frequency results in a higher peak voltage at the coil outlet, this circumstance resulting in easy starting of the engine, even during very cold weather.

It is also pertinent to note that another of the advantages offered by the impulse generator herein described is that in the event of mechanical failure of the points, for example when one of the points is loosened, the vehicle engine continues to function, a little. However, it will perform in perfect-conditions since the generatorwill release continuous impulses, the high voltage distributor regulating the ignition.

Iclaimg 1. An impulse generator for use in igniting combustion engines which include breaker points and a high voltage coil, said impulse generator comprising:

a first transistor having a base, a collector and an emitter;

a second transistor having a base, a collector and an emitter; said base of said first transistor being connectable to said breaker points; said emitter of said first transistor being connectable to the primary winding of said coil; electrolytic condenser means joining said collector of said first transistor with said base of said second transistor; said collector of said second transistor being con- 'nectable to said primary winding of said coil; whereby when said points are closed, a voltage is applied to said base of said first transistor, thereby actuatingsaid first transistor and causing a voltage to be applied to said base of said second transistor, thereby causing a continuous voltage to be applied across said primary winding; damping oscillator circuit means applied across sa'id collector and emitter of said second transistor for generating an oscillating voltage through said second transistor when said points are opened and the voltage applied to said bases of said transistors are reduced, whereby a voltage is induced. in th secondary winding of said coil; and i shunt means connecting said oscillator circuit means with said base of said first transistor and for feeding said oscillating voltage thereto, whereby a sequence of voltages are induced in said secondary winding of said coil. 2. An. impulse generator as claimed in claim 3 wherein said shunt means comprises a series connected cpaacitor and resistor.

l l i 

1. An impulse generator for use in igniting combustion engines which include breaker points and a high voltage coil, said impulse generator comprising: a first transistor having a base, a collector and an emitter; a second transistor having a base, a collector and an emitter; said base of said first transistor being connectable to said breaker points; said emitter of said first transistor being connectable to the primary winding of said coil; electrolytic condenser means joining said collector of said first transistor with said base of said second transistor; said collector of said second transistor being connectable to said primary winding of said coil; whereby when said points are closed, a voltage is applied to said base of said first transistor, thereby actuating said first transistor and causing a voltage to be applied to said base of said second transistor, thereby causing a continuous voltage to be applied across said primary winding; a damping oscillator circuit means applied across said collector and emitter of said second transistor for generating an oscillating voltage through said second transistor when said points are opened and the voltage applied to said bases of said transistors are reduced, whereby a voltage is induced in the secondary winding of said coil; and shunt means connecting said oscillator circuit means with said base of said first transistor and for feeding said oscillating voltage thereto, whereby a sequence of voltages are induced in said secondary winding of said coil.
 2. An impulse generator as claimed in claim 3 wherein said shunt means comprises a series connected cpaacitor and resistor. 